India's top court recognizes third gender category

Apr. 15, 2014
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An Indian eunuch dances to celebrate the Supreme Courtís verdict recognizing a third gender category, in the eastern Indian city of Bhubaneswar, India, Tuesday, April 15, 2014. India's top court on Tuesday issued a landmark verdict recognizing transgender rights as human rights, saying people can identify themselves as a third gender on official documents. (AP Photo/Biswaranjan Rout) ORG XMIT: DEL151 / Biswaranjan Rout AP

by USA TODAY

by USA TODAY

NEW DELHI (AP) - India's top court has issued a landmark verdict creating a third gender category, saying transgendered people can now identify themselves that way on official documents.

Activists say it will give relief to millions of people who face discrimination in India's deeply conservative society.

The Supreme Court directed the federal and state governments to include transgendered people in all welfare programs for the poor, including education, health care and jobs to help them overcome social and economic challenges.

Before Tuesday's judgment, transgendered Indians had to identify themselves as male or female in all official documents.

Many transgendered men in India earn a living by singing and dancing at weddings and births, but others must resort to begging or prostitution.

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